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Slaves were often cleaned, dressed in presentable clothing, and sometimes examined physically by potential buyers before being put up for auction. They were also sometimes given food to make them look healthier and more attractive to buyers. Additionally, slaves were sometimes trained to perform specific skills or tasks to increase their value at auction.
A slave market or a slave auction.
Slaves were sold at auction for varying prices depending on factors such as age, physical condition, skills, and demand at the time of sale. Prices ranged from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per individual.
Slaves on auction blocks were treated as property to be bought and sold, often subjected to dehumanizing conditions. They were inspected like livestock, forced to stand naked or partially clothed for potential buyers, and were sometimes separated from family members. Physical abuse and humiliation were not uncommon during the auction process.
A slave auction could last anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the number of slaves being sold and the level of interest from buyers. The process typically involved inspecting the slaves, determining their value, and then bidding on them until a sale was finalized.
Slaves were prepared for sale by being cleaned, inspected for health and physical condition, given new clothing if necessary, and sometimes taught a skill to increase their sale value. They were often branded or tagged for identification purposes and presented in a way meant to increase their marketability to potential buyers.